Former Miss Malaysia Tourism Weena Marcus about the beauty of Sabah

What foods/ delicacies first-time visitors must try, and where they should go?

Tuaran mee is a must-try for first-time visitors because the noodle is locally handmade and can only be found in Sabah. It's named after the district it originated from, Tuaran. It’s a special handmade yellow egg noodles that uses only egg yolks. Take a leisurely drive approximately 30-45 minutes from town to Tuaran Mee Restaurant in Tuaran to have the original taste of it.

A trip to Tuaran must also include a put stop at one of the roadside stalls along Jalan Sulaiman for coconut pudding, kelapa bakar and lokan panggang (fresh clams). Most of the stalls can be seen selling the same things. The coconut is grilled by using firewood till the outer layer is burnt and served hot. It tastes different from fresh coconut juice. If you prefer something refreshing then coconut pudding is a must.

Head to My Native Sabah, Plaza 333 for traditional Kadazan Dusun native food. You must try the  Bambangan, Hinava, Ambuyat, and, of course, our protein-packed Butod.

Then there's Laksa Ngiu Chap at Yii Siang Hainan Ngiu Chap restaurant, which serves my personal favourite beef noodles. It’s consistently good throughout the year and halal too. It has seafood options for those who don’t take beef. Here you have the choice of clear beef broth or laksa broth; I prefer the latter.

Don't miss: The laksa cheat sheet

Where are the best places for shopping?

Imago Shopping Mall, the biggest shopping mall in town. There’s also Handicraft Market on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens. This is where you can find all the local native handicrafts from beaded accessories, pearl jewellery to sarongs.

Where are the best weekend markets?

Sunday market at Gaya street.

How would you describe the people?

The people of Kota Kinabalu are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you will ever meet. They are always ready to greet you with a warm smile and a helping hand. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Sabahans will make you feel right at home.

What’s the best way to greet a local?

Kopivosian—which means “hello” in Kadazan dialect, one of the largest indigenous groups in Sabah.

Where is the one place to go see and be seen?

The KK Waterfront. Along the waterfront are rows of pubs and restaurants. It’s a popular hangout spot for tourists as well as locals, the perfect spot to unwind and chill after a long day, and you can enjoy live music in the evenings while watching stunning sunset views.

How do you celebrate Pesta Kaamatan, and what is its significance?

Pesta Kaamatan Festival, also known as the Harvest Festival, is celebrated annually by the indigenous communities in Sabah. It is a two-day celebration held at the end of May, to mark the end of the rice harvest season. The festival is a time of thanksgiving and celebration, with the communities coming together to express gratitude for the bountiful harvest, and to seek blessings for good health, prosperity, and happiness.

The myth behind the Harvest Festival is that Kinoingan, a god, took pity on the people who were suffering from great famine. In order to save them, he sacrificed his daughter, Huminodun, and sowed her over the land and padi. The crops were harvested and the people were saved. It is believed that the spirit of Huminodun is embodied in the rice and is therefore known as Bambarayon or Bambazon.

One of the most significant events during the Kaamatan Festival is the Magavau ritual, which is a ceremonial blessing of the paddy field and the rice spirits. The ritual is performed by the Bobohizan or high priestess, who offers prayers and sacrifices to the rice spirits to ensure a good harvest for the following season.

In addition to the rituals and ceremonies, the Kaamatan Festival is also a time for feasting, cultural performances, and traditional games. One of the highlights of the festival is the Unduk Ngadau or the Harvest Queen Beauty Pageant, which showcases the beauty and talent of young Kadazan-Dusun women. The beauty pageant is held to commemorate the spirit of Huminodun. The title comes from Runduk Tadau, which means “the girl crowned by the sunlight”.

As for how I celebrate the Kaamatan Festival, I usually attend the festivities with my family and friends. We not only savour the taste of traditional cuisines with recipes that have been passed down for generations, but also indulge in local rice wines like tapai and lihing, watch cultural performances and participate in traditional games.

It’s also time for us to celebrate our cultural heritage by flaunting our respective traditional costumes too. Coincidentally, Tuaran will host this year’s launch of the month-long Kaamatan celebration. Best time to visit and enjoy Tuaran mee!

Where is the best place to catch the sunset?

Sunset bar at Shangri-la Tanjung Aru.

What’s a secret place you can share?

Kampung Sangkir, Kota Belud. I was on my way back from Pulau Mantanani with my friends and I remembered stumbling upon the perfect spot for the most breathtaking sunset view. The spot overlooked a paddy field, and at the same time, provided a view of Mount Kinabalu. It was truly out of this world.

Read more: 7 bars to visit in Ipoh, Perak

What’s your most recent discovery about Sabah?

There are more and more themed attractions popping up which I have yet to visit, such as the Alpaca Club in Kundasang and Cabana Retreat at Kudat with a stargazing experience at night.

Fill in the blank. Sabah is . . .

Enchanting, heaven on earth, uniquely captivating.

What makes you proud as a Sabahan?

As an indigenous Rungus-Kadazan woman from Sabah, I am proud of my cultural heritage and the unique traditions and beliefs that come with it. Sabah is a beautiful state with diverse communities and natural resources and I take pride in preserving and celebrating them.

Our customs and values are an integral part of who we are as Sabahans. We are known for our hospitality and kindness, and it is a reflection of our diverse cultural heritage and strong community values.

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